Adidas Rapidmove ADV 2 Review: Great Shoe for Workout Classes?

The Adidas Rapid Move ADV 2 HIIT has been a subtle surprise for my cross-training and HIIT workouts. This shoe has worked in a lot of cool Adidas tech like the Torsion System, Lightstrike Pro midsole cushioning, and Continental rubber outsole tread.

For my testing, I’ve been pushing this shoe hardest for plyometrics, running, and workouts, where I’m blending light strength and power movements with some athletic-style work — think RDLs transitioning into Russian kettlebell swings.

If you’re thinking about the ADV 2, I got you. Unlike other review sites that just cut shoes in half without physically training in them (tell me I’m wrong…), I’ve pushed these for deadlifts up to 275 lbs and multiple workouts with 5k runs to figure out where the ADV 2s start to fall short.

Who Should Buy This Shoe?

1. Class-Based Training Enthusiasts: If you’re regularly going to HIIT classes 2-3 times a week, you’ll appreciate the responsive cushioning and multi-directional support that comes with this shoe.
2. Arch Support Seekers: Love arch support? The pronounced arch combined with the torsion system in this shoe should align with those who like additional midfoot support and stability.
3. Hybrid Workout Lovers: If you’re mixing short runs (1-⅘ miles) in your cross-training and lifting sessions, you’ll like the comfort and feel of this shoe. It’s definitely one of the more forgiving hybrid-focused training shoes I’ve tested.

Who Shouldn’t Buy This Shoe? Plus Alternatives

1. Flat-Footed Athletes: The aggressive arch support will likely cause discomfort for those with flat feet. I had a normal arch and picked up on this right away, flat footers, be warned.
   • Better option for flatter feet: Altra Solstice XT 3
2. Wide-Footed Athletes: The tapered toe box design restricts natural toe splay, which is particularly problematic for wider feet, and with this shoe 2E+ width feet.
   • Better options for wider feet: Inov8 F-Lite
3. Heavy Lifting: I noticed midsole compression above 225 pounds, I’d pass on this shoe if you’re pushing weights heavier than that.
   • Better option for lifting with cross-training: Adidas Dropset 3

Rapidmove Vs Rapidmove ADV 2

I’ve had a lot of questions on YouTube about the Rapidmove (peep my review video) versus the Rapidmove ADV models and which is best for certain types of workouts. Both shoes can be great, but I think you’ll want to select them based on how you train.

The Rapidmove is what I’d call a well-rounded budget trainer. They work great for lifting and cross-training and can even work for short runs. Comparatively speaking, they also fit a little wider than the ADV and have a less aggressive arch.

The ADV 2 is the move if your main asks revolve around classes, short runs, and HIIT. If you’re a regular at F45 and Nike Studios, then you’ll love the ADV 2’s fit and feel on the feet. They’re a bit more forgiving for cardio asks.

	Rapidmove	Rapidmove ADV 2
Stability Thresholds	425 lbs	<225 lbs
Class Comfort	8/10 Comfort Rating	6.5 Comfort Rating (narrower toe box)
Running Threshold	1-3 miles	1-⅘ miles
Sizing and Fit	Medium	Medium (these fit more narrow)
HIIT Performance	Average	Great, Super Bouncy

I tried to include some top-level performance comparison thoughts above. If you have additional questions about these shoes and which you should go with, you know you can always reach out or comment below.

Specs to Know

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A (feels like 3-5mm)
• Weight: 10.55 oz (size 10)
• Removeable Insole: Yes

Sizing and Fit Recommendations

Size these similar to your standard Adidas, Nike, or Reebok training shoes. Those experiencing excess heel movement might consider sizing down half a size.

Narrow Feet Thoughts

• My Suggestion: Go True-to-size

Medium Width Feet Thoughts

• My Suggestion: Go True-to-size

Wide Feet Thoughts

• My Suggestion for E/EE: True to size, go up half-size to play it safe
• Suggestion for 3E+: Pass

Performance Assessment

Strength Training Performance

When testing this shoe for lifting, I kept in mind that it’s not technically built for heavy lifting, so I didn’t fault it for not having the most stable midsole. The Everyset and Dropset will be your go-to’s from Adidas if stability is a major ask. However, I still wanted to know where this shoe’s midsole started to compress.

For barbell work, I found this threshold to be anything above 225 lbs, and with single-leg barbell work, it’s a little lower, around 185 lbs. If you’re keeping your free weights around this or lower, then you should be fine in this shoe.

For machine work, the outsole did a good job of providing a nice secure base to train on, and it also did well on rubber gym floors and wooden platforms.

Stand-Out Strength Elements:

• Torsion system provides adequate midfoot stability for light and moderate loads
• Grip pattern performs well on various gym surfaces
• Comfortable for bodyweight movements/light lifting

Strength Limitations:

• Midsole compression is apparent above 225 pounds
• Stack height compromises stability during movements like deadlifts and RDLs
• Limited toe box width affects balance during loaded movements

HIIT and Cross-Training Performance

In HIIT-specific environments, that’s where the ADV 2 is going to shine. The Lightstrike Pro midsole is awesome for giving you a nice bounce and responsiveness. For jump rope and single-leg hops, I’ve enjoyed the energy return this midsole gave; it never really feels “flat” when training.

I’ve also enjoyed how the Torsion system has helped with propulsion and midfoot support. It doesn’t feel clunky on the feet or like it limits performance. I also see it as a good thing for those who like arch support and additional midfoot security. The outsole does a decent job with grip, too.

My only gripe with this shoe’s performance for cross-training is that the boot may lack security for narrow heels. I point this out in my video review and shoe you exactly what I mean if you’re concerned about this at all.

Stand-Out HIIT Elements:

• Light Strike Pro cushioning excels during plyometric movements
• Torsion system enhances multi-directional stability
• Synthetic overlay provides solid security for lateral exercises

HIIT Limitations:

• Boot construction may be an issue for narrow heels
• Arch support may feel uncomfortable for flatter feet

Running and Daily Wear Performance

The running capabilities of the ADV 2 surprised me, to be honest. I figured this would be another HIIT-focused shoe that’s just “okay,” and what I mean by this is that I figured it would have a heavy feeling and limited responsiveness, but they’ve proven me wrong.

The Lightstrike Pro midsole is forgiving for a variety of footstrikes, IMO, and I made a point to test these for forefoot, midfoot, and heel striking. My running tests consisted of fast 400-800 meter intervals and a few 5ks post-workout for cooldown.

For daily wear, the shoe is so-so, and your foot anatomy will dictate your performance in this context. While the midsole has good comfort, the pronounced arch support and narrow toe box can create a snugger feeling for all-day wear if you like a little more room in your shoes.

Stand-Out Running/Daily Wear Elements:

• Excellent energy return during short-distance runs
• Smooth heel-to-toe transition during running and good impact absorption for interval training
• Responsive cushioning maintains consistent performance for varied pace changes

Running/Daily Wear Limitations:

• Aggressive arch support limits long-term comfort
• Narrow toe box restricts natural toe splay
• Exposed foam sections vulnerable to wear in inclement weather

Construction Details

Upper

• Engineered mesh with synthetic overlays
• Bootie construction built with stretchy knit material
• Six-eyelet lacing system with adjustable fit options
• External heel tab for easy entry
• Reinforced toe box for durability

Midsole

• Lightstrike Pro cushioning throughout
• Integrated torsion system for midfoot stability
• Beveled heel design for smooth transitions
• 3-5mm estimated heel-to-toe drop (based on my testing)

Outsole

• Continental rubber in high-wear areas
• Strategic flex grooves for natural movement
• Exposed foam sections for weight reduction
• Non-marking rubber compound
• Extended forefoot wrap for durability

Final Verdict: Would I Buy Again?

I would, granted, I wish I had bought a different colorway. These have been a nice surprise, and if you want a shoe strictly for classes or a shoe in your lineup for HIIT-specific sessions, they are worth a pickup.

The Lightstrike Pro cushioning is forgiving and the Torsion system is a nice subtle perk for promoting lockdown and midfoot stability when doing single-leg work. I also like the upper’s security.

I think the main things to consider with this shoe before buying it is recognizing where their fit will have limitations and making sure you’re conscious of their stability limitations when lifting.

If you have additional questions about this model, hit me in the comments below or reach out via Instagram!